The Leh Palace is a nine-storey palace located in the city of Leh. It was built in the 17th century and offers panoramic views of the entire city. Take a guided tour to understand the history of the palace and experience the architecture and artwork.
The Shanti Stupa is a white domed structure located on a hilltop in Chanspa. It was built by Japanese Buddhists to promote world peace and offers panoramic views of Leh, the Zanskar range, and the Leh Palace. Stay for the sunset as it is one of the most beautiful sunsets in Leh Ladakh.
The Nubra Valley offers a mesmerizing landscape of cold desert and snow-capped peaks. Visit the Diskit Monastery, home to the 32-meter statue of Maitreya Buddha, and take a ride on the double-humped Bactrian camel. At night, enjoy the clear view of stars at the campsite.
Pangong Tso is a glacial lake located in the Himalayas. Its crystal-clear blue water is a sight to behold. The lake stretches over 134 km but only one-third is in India. Stay overnight in a campsite near the lake and enjoy the sunrise and sunset.
Hemis National park is home to the snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, and Tibetan wolf. Take a safari tour of the park to experience the wildlife in their natural habitat. Visit the Hemis Monastery located within the park – it is one of the wealthiest monasteries in India.
Tso Moriri is a high-altitude lake located in the Changthang region. This lake is known for its changing colors and the snow-capped peaks in the background. Visit the Korzok Monastery, located on the banks of the lake, and experience the local culture.
Drive to Tsokar and visit the Changpa nomads' tented settlements en-route. The area is rich in wildlife such as black-necked cranes, Tibetan gazelle, and fox. Stop at the Tsokar lake, popularly known as the 'White Lake,' known for salt and nomads' tents dotting it.
Stok Kangri is the highest mountain in the Stok Range of the Himalayas. Trek to the base camp before reaching the summit; the view from the top is breathtaking. Start early to avoid the heat.
Magnetic Hill is known for its gravitational effects. It is popularly called a hill that defies gravity – turn off the engine of your vehicle and enjoy the magic. It is said that the hill has a magnetic force that pulls vehicles uphill. Visit the nearby Gurudwara Patthar Sahib.
Leh Market offers a range of handicrafts, Tibetan jewelry, and souvenirs. It is also known for its street food such as Thukpa, Momos, and Chang. Relax and spend time exploring the market before heading back home.
Leh Ladakh is best explored by taxi, and you can find taxi services in Leh city. The estimated cost is ₹2,500-3,500 per day. Bikes are also available for rent, costing around ₹1,000-3,000 per day, depending on the bike's make and model. Remember to carry your identity proof and a valid driving license. Due to the high altitude, traveling by air is recommended, and the nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) in Leh.
If you have more time, visit Zanskar Valley and Turtuk Village. If you have less time, you can skip Tsokar and Stok Kangri. Remember to carry warm clothes even during summer as the temperature can drop to 0°C. Carry Diamox to avoid altitude sickness and keep hydrated.
Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) is the only airport in Leh, located around 3 km from Leh city center. The airport is well-connected to several major cities in India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Srinagar. Taxi services are available at the airport to commute to the city center.